South Coast College: $13,409 Tuition

$13,409Tuition

241Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,897Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About South Coast College

South Coast College trains students for careers in healthcare and beauty services through hands-on programs. The school enrolls 241 students in a midsize Orange County setting. Founded in 1961, it has built a reputation for practical vocational training that gets graduates working quickly. Students work closely with instructors in a 15:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,480 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying $17,390. Graduates earn a median of $44,897 ten years after leaving school. Most students take on debt, with a median of $20,938 leading to monthly payments of $222. The 37.7% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to pay back their loans despite the 91.7% employment rate.

Women make up 92.95% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated fields like cosmetology and healthcare support. Hispanic students represent 51.45% of enrollment, making it a majority-minority institution. The 33.3% six-year graduation rate is concerning for students considering the investment. About half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the student population.

Academics & Faculty

South Coast College focuses on career-oriented programs in healthcare, business, and technical fields that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing smaller classes typical of specialized career colleges. However, only 33% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face in balancing education with other responsibilities. The college serves a predominantly female student body at 93%, largely driven by its popular nursing and medical assistant programs. With 92% of graduates finding employment, the school emphasizes practical skills over theoretical academics. Most programs can be completed in under two years.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,897

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$32,382
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$16,394

View all 4 programs →

Campus Life

South Coast College operates from a compact urban campus in Orange, just 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The 241 enrolled students navigate Southern California's year-round sunshine, where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen stays essential. Women make up 93% of the student body, creating a distinctly female-dominated environment typical of schools specializing in healthcare and beauty programs.

The small enrollment of 241 means you'll recognize most faces within weeks. Students commute from across Orange County, with 80% coming from in-state. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekend social life centers around nearby Disneyland and Anaheim's entertainment district rather than traditional campus activities. The college's vocational focus means many students balance coursework with part-time jobs in their chosen fields. Clinical rotations and externships frequently take students off campus to local medical facilities and salons, providing real-world experience before the 91.7% employment rate kicks in after graduation.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Other
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–69°F
July Avg: 64°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

South Coast College draws primarily from Orange County and surrounding California communities, with 80% of students staying close to home. The school serves a predominantly female student body at 93%, reflecting its focus on healthcare and beauty programs like nursing, dental assisting, and cosmetology. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The student body is majority Hispanic at 51%, with white students comprising 25% of enrollment. This demographic mix reflects the college's mission to provide accessible vocational education to Orange County's diverse working population.

Men: 7.1%
Women: 93.0%
White: 24.9%
Black: 4.6%
Hispanic: 51.5%
Asian: 7.9%
In-State Students: 80.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.7%

Location

South Coast College sits in Orange, California, about 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus operates in Orange County's densely populated corridor, where 3.2 million residents create one of the nation's most expensive housing markets. Students live amid suburban sprawl dotted with strip malls and business parks, far from the glamorous beach cities that define coastal Orange County. The college draws 80% of its students from California, reflecting its role as a local training ground rather than a destination school. Orange County's job market spans healthcare, technology, and service industries, providing internship opportunities for the school's career-focused programs. Students considering colleges in California may also compare South Coast College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Orange, California 92868-2609

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,897
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,707
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $222/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,938

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at South Coast College?

South Coast College enrolls 241 students, with women making up 93% of the student body. The college primarily serves Hispanic students who comprise 51% of enrollment, reflecting its mission to provide career training in Orange County's diverse community.

How much does South Coast College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,480 annually at South Coast College. About 53% of students receive financial aid, with low-income families paying less at $17,390 per year.

What are class sizes like at South Coast College?

South Coast College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The small enrollment of 241 students creates an intimate learning environment typical of specialized vocational colleges.

What are job prospects after graduating from South Coast College?

Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement in their chosen fields. However, only 33% complete their programs within six years, and graduates earn a median salary of $44,897 ten years after enrollment.

Where is South Coast College located?

South Coast College operates in Orange, California, a mid-sized city in Orange County. About 80% of students are California residents, drawn to the college's career programs in this economically diverse region.

How much student debt do South Coast College graduates typically have?

Graduates carry a median debt of $20,938, with monthly loan payments averaging $222. The loan repayment rate of 38% suggests many graduates struggle to pay back their educational investment despite the college's focus on career preparation.